22nd May 1940.

Musing on the possible discussion in 10 Downing street on 22nd may 1940.

Cabinet discussion:
“Petrol – we need to conserve it. Is it on ration?”
“Yes, since 8th September last year.”
“Well, while people can’t get enough of it anyway why don’t we increase the cost and charge more tax?”
“What’s the point? Nobody can buy it so why put the tax up?
“Let’s do it anyway. What’s the current price?”
“11d a gallon.”
“Hmm – almost a shilling. What if we doubled it?”
“Nobody would accept 2s a gallon. What about 1s 11 1/2d?”
“All right. Go for that price. It will only affect people with coupons, and half of them are Black Market counterfeits, so it might hit those buggers too.”